Hot weather is in store for the northwest, central and southern parts of Laos this weekend, with rainfall and winds expected in some parts of the country.
Owl Square Defies Market Odds to Expand Residential Rental Space Market
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 26 March 2021 – Owl Square has recently signed a nearly 10-year lease for the entire building located at 20 Luard Road, Wanchai, with a floor area of 22,300 square feet and an estimated leasable area of over 19,000 square feet. The serviced apartment in Wan Chai is designed to provide privacy, convenience, and safekeeping of your belongings. Whether it’s the location of power outlets or USB ports, or the doors opening to the left or right, these details matter. The company also have a serviced apartment in sheung wan that’s close to central to cater the needs of the corporate workforce in terms of living and working in the heart of the city.
The current clientele of Owl Square’s coliving or serviced apartment rental properties are mainly locals, expatriates, students, and professionals. Since the property type provides a variety of types of rental packages and offers flexible pricing model, the overall occupancy rate has reached over 90% even under the impact of the epidemic.
Owl Square was founded in 2017 by its founder, Max Poon, after raising nearly $100 million from a Hong Kong listed company and Hong Kong famous families. With 14 serviced apartment locations across Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, Owl Square offers nearly 2,000 beautifully decorated small to medium sized units with flexible leases, rent inclusive of management fees, utilities, internet access and weekly housekeeping and laundry services. In addition, Owl Square welcomes tenants from all walks of life and offers affordable, comfortable, convenient and safe housing to help solve housing problems for all types of residents. It is a fun place for all residents to live, combining the comforts of home with the elements of modern living.
Genor Biopharma Releases Its Annual Results for 2020
Significant progresses in IND, clinical development, NDA/BLA, commercialization, BD and financing
- NDA/BLA progress – GB226 (Geptanolimab) Priority Review for PTCL, GB242 (infliximab (Remicade) biosimilar) under Review
- Clinical development – Three products’ registrational pivotal trails completed (GB226,GB221,GB242), GB491 (CDK 4/6) for 1L and 2L HR+/HER2- breast cancer bridging studies EC approved, GB261 first in human (FIH) trial EC submitted in Australia in March-21
- IND progress – Eight IND applications approved and two under reviews, three bispecific assets entering into IND enabling stage
- Commercialization – Key commercial personnels on board preparing for the new drug launch, Investment agreement with China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone Lin-Gang Special Area Administration
- Active BD – In-licensed GB491 (CDK4/6) for the treatment of HR+/HER2- breast cancer from G1 Therapeutics, and GB492 (STING agonist) from ImmuneSensor Therapeutics
- Success financing – Received B-round financing of US$160mn in May, successfully raised US$400mn and listed on the main board of HKEX in October
Upcoming Milestones
- GB261 (CD20/CD3) – First Patient Enrollment in Australia in Q321, and initial POC Data in 1H22
- GB491 (Lerociclib) (cyclin-dependent kinase, CDK4/6) – First Patient Enrollment for Phase 3 trial for 1L /2L HR+/HER2- mBC in Q421, and Interim Analysis for 2L HR+/HER2- mBC in 2Q23
- GB226 (Geptanolimab) – NDA approval for r/r PTCL, Q321
- GB242 (TNF-ɑ, Infliximab biosimilar) – NDA approval, 1H22
SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach – 26 March 2021 – Genor Biopharma (Stock code: 6998.HK) announced today its 2020 annual results to share the company’s financial results, business progress and other highlights in the reporting period.
The year 2020 is a year for Genor Biopharma to accumulate and develop rapidly and forge ahead with determination. During this year, the company has made significant progress in clinical trials, pipeline development, commercialization preparation, manufacturing and other aspects.
Our mission is to become a biopharmaceutical engine in discovery, research, development, manufacturing and commercialization of innovative therapeutics initially for patients in China and gradually for patients globally. We strive to build up a world-class China-based innovative biopharmaceutical company through its integrated biopharmaceutical platform. To achieve this mission, Genor Biopharma will continue to expand our innovative pipeline to address more attractive and unmet medical needs in China and globally and at the same time to maximize existing portfolio by developing and executing comprehensive strategy.
Rapidly advance the Group’s novel bispecific/tri-specific pipeline candidates into clinical stages
Genor Biopharma will continue to focus on developing our early-stage innovative pipeline from our two research hubs in Shanghai and in San Francisco (Ab Therapeutics Inc.) by applying licensed cutting-edge bispecific and multi-specific antibody discovery platforms to in silicon design and to bench engineer novel and highly differentiated bispecific and tri-specific therapeutic antibody candidates targeting cancers in order to match unmet clinical needs.
Currently, we have multiple bi-specific and tri-specific antibody drug candidates, the highlights among which include candidates targeting CD20/CD3(GB261), PD-L1/CD55(GB262), EGFR/c-Met/c-Met(GB263T), and Claudin 18.2/CD3(GB264), none of which currently have approved drugs worldwide. We have submitted four abstracts for 2021 AACR in February 2021, and all of them have been accepted as “Late Breaking Abstracts”.
Moreover, benefiting from years of experience in biologics development, we have rapidly expanded our CMC capabilities from monoclonal antibody technologies to a bispecific and multi-specific antibody platform, ranging from cell line development, bioprocess development, and analytical development. After the lead selection of GB261 at the end of 2019, Genor Biopharma had accomplished the IND-enabling works over the past 16 months, which included cell Line and cell culture development, purification development, formulation development, analytical methods development, GLP Tox Lot and Clinical Lot manufacturing and release, BsAb structural and functional characterization, ICH-compliance stability studies startup, and completed GLP toxicity studies, clinical protocol drafting, CTA dossier preparation, etc. together with medical, registration and other teams.
The company have submitted our first-in-human clinical trial application of GB261 (CD20/CD3 bi-specific antibody) in patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (B-NHL) in Australia in March 2021. And we plan to file Investigation New Drug (IND) applications with the NMPA and the FDA and advance these antibody drug candidates into the clinical stage in 6 to 12 months. The global development of GB261 will also lay the foundation for the global clinical development of subsequent antibody candidates and other innovative drugs.
Expedite regulatory approval of the Group’s lead product candidates
Genor Biopharma expects to launch Geptanolimab (GB226) at Q3 this year, it is the first PD-1 inhibitor worldwide for peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) and is expected to bring safe and high-quality therapeutic benefits to patients. And we will continue to explore approval for Geptanolimab (GB226) in other indications as well as novel combination therapy potential, including IND filing for combination therapy with our STING agonist (GB492), to benefit more patients in China with unmet medical need.
In addition, Genor Biopharma has received IND approvals from the NMPA and the Ethic Committee approves for two Phase 1b bridging studies: (1) GB491 (Lerociclib) (cyclin-dependent kinase, CDK4/6) and Letrozole in first line HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer; and (2) GB491 (Lerociclib) and Fulvestrant in second line HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer in March 2021.
IND application of GB492 (IMSA101, Stimulator of interferon genes,STING) is under review by NMPA. The Phase I/IIa clinical trials will evaluate the safety and efficacy of GB492 as monotherapy and in combination with recombinant anti-human PD-1/L1 functional monoclonal antibody, in patients with advanced treatment-refractory malignancies.
Infliximab biosimilar (GB242) for autoimmune disease treatment is expected to be launch at 1H 2022, upon approval of NDA that are currently under review of NMPA.
Regarding key drug candidates in our portfolio treating breast cancer, we plan to file NDA to NMPA for Coprelotamab (GB221) in HER2+ breast cancer at Q4 of 2021.
Strengthen the leadership team and make comprehensive preparation for commercialization
Currently, the core management team members of the Group have more than 15 years of industry experience on average with a proven track record and a well-balanced combination of expertise spanning research and discovery, clinical development, manufacturing, regulatory affairs, commercialization and financing.
Dr. HAN Shuhua joined us as the Chief Scientist of the Group in January 2021. Dr. Han, with over 25 years’ experience in drug discovery and academic research in the fields of immunology, cancer immunotherapy, oncology, autoimmune diseases and inflammation, will lead the company’s in-house research and discovery efforts and accelerate our footprint towards building a world-class innovation engine.
Mr. CHEN Wende joined us as Chief Operation Officer in July 2020. With over 20 years of experience in biopharmaceutical industry, Mr. Chen will lead the commercial operation of the company.
In preparation for the new drug launch, the Company is steadily building up our commercialization team,and developing commercial strategy to support GB226 launch in 2021 and other new product launches in the future successfully. Currently, key commercial people have been on-board.
In December 2020, our commercial team has participated in the 2020 annual conference of China Cancer Prevention and Treatment League and promoted the Company and GB226 r/r PTCL studies among medical society. And meanwhile, the commercial team has been working closely with key stakeholders for pharmacoeconomics (PE) study for GB226 in preparation for the product launch and participations of National Reimbursement Drug List (“NRDL“) negotiation.
Our manufacturing facility in Yuxi, Yunnan province has completed and successfully passed the On-Site Production Inspection & GMP Compliance Inspection for GB226 NDA in November 2020. To support the commercial production of GB226 and more innovative drugs, the company signed an investment agreement with China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone Lin-Gang Special Area Administration to build a commercial manufacturing facility with over 43,000 sqm in Shanghai Lin Gang Special Area in February 2021
Financial Highlights
- Total revenue was RMB10.3 million for the Reporting Period, primarily generated by providing research and manufacturing services to our customers under fee-for-service contract.
- Research and development expenses were RMB696.6 million for the Reporting Period, as compared with RMB438.8 million for the year ended 31 December 2019. The spending was mainly attributable to (i) the increase of our ongoing clinical trials expenses and (ii) our employee salary and related benefit costs
- Total comprehensive loss was RMB3,032.8 million for the Reporting Period, as compared with RMB523.0 million for the year ended 31 December 2019 primarily because under the Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards(“HKFRS“), the Group recorded a non-recurring loss of 1,933.8 million on net fair value losses on Preferred Share upon their conversion to ordinary shares at the Company’s initial public offering (“IPO“).
- Under Non-HKFRS measures, our adjusted loss(1) for the year was RMB654.6 million for the Reporting Period.
Adjusted net loss is calculated as loss for the reporting period excluding (i) fair value losses on Preferred Shares, (ii) share-based payment expenses, (iii) net foreign currency exchange losses and (iv) listing expenses.
About Genor Biopharma
Founded in 2007, Genor Biopharma Co. Ltd (Genor Biopharma, Stock code: 6998.HK) is an innovative biopharma company with a pipeline of therapies covering the world’s top oncology areas (breast, lung, and gastrointestinal cancer).
Genor Biopharma is creating a fully integrated and end-to-end biopharma innovation company based in China, with global reach. In San Francisco, the cutting-edge bispecific and multi-specific discovery platform (Antibody Therapeutics Inc.) engineers novel and highly differentiated therapeutic antibody candidates with display technology, computer-aided design, and site mutagenesis. The industry leading R&D center located in Shanghai focuses on CMC (Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls) development. This center is capable of developing comprehensive bioprocesses and formulations, and manufacturing preclinical and clinical materials with advanced analytical, quality control, and quality assurance systems for compliance. In 2016, the GMP commercial manufacturing facility was built and commissioned in Yuxi, Yunan and is currently operating with a highly GMP compliant production team. This commercial facility employs advanced continuous-flow cell culture technologies for high yield manufacturing (~20 g/L) as well as internally-developed cell culture media for cost-effective production. The site produces Phase III and pivotal trial clinical supplies, executes the commercial process validation, and performs the commercial manufacturing after product launch.
Genor Biopharma currently has 10+ drug candidates under development in clinical or New Drug Application (NDA) stages. Among them, the NDA for Geptanolimab (GB226) has been granted for priority review by the Center for Drug Evaluation (CDE) and has successfully passed the NDA pre-approval inspection by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), with a product launch targeted for 2021. It is the first PD-1 inhibitor worldwide for peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) and is expected to bring safe and high-quality therapeutic benefits to patients. The NDA filing for Infliximab (GB242) has also been accepted by CDE and is currently under review by the agency.
ESR delivers strong financial performance in FY2020 and hits US$30 billion in AUM a year ahead of schedule
- AUM grew by 35.3% to an all-time high of US$30 billion
- Record capital raising with seven new funds raising US$3.5 billion across key markets
- Record leasing of over 2.3 million sqm
- Record new completions of US$3.4 billion and record new development starts of US$3.2 billion
- PATMI up 16.8% to a record high of US$286 million
- Strong balance sheet with US$1.5 billion in cash and net debt / total assets of 23.2%
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 26 March 2021 – ESR Cayman Limited (“ESR” or the “Company”, together with its subsidiaries as the “Group”; SEHK Stock Code: 1821), the largest APAC focused logistics real estate platform, today announced its results for the financial year ended 31 December 2020 (“FY2020”).
Revenue for the year was US$388 million, up 8.7% from US$357 million in FY2019. PATMIi recorded a record high of US$286 million, representing 16.8% growth from US$245 million in FY2019. Core PATMI increased 14.7% to US$260 million, compared with US$227 million in FY2019.
The Group’s balance sheet and cash position remained robust. The Group had US$1.5 billion in cash as of 31 December 2020, representing a 71.4% increase from US$884 million in FY2019. Net debt to total assets declined by 3.4 pp to 23.2%.
|
FY2020 |
FY2019 |
Year-on-Year Change (%) |
Revenue |
388 |
357 |
8.7 |
PATMIi |
286 |
245 |
16.8 |
Core PATMIii |
260 |
227 |
14.7 |
Adjusted EBITDAiii |
366 |
359 |
2.0 |
AUM |
29,880 |
22,137 |
35.3 |
Notes
i. Profit After Tax and Minority Interest (PATMI)
ii. Excludes fair value on completed investment properties, equity-settled share option expense, listing expenses and tax effects of adjustments
iii. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as profit before tax, adding back depreciation and amortisation, exchange loss/(gain), finance costs, equity-settled share option expense and the listing expenses, and eliminating the effect of interest income and fair value gains on investment properties
Jeffrey Perlman, Chairman of ESR, said, “ESR has continued its strong momentum and delivered outstanding performance in FY2020 despite the unprecedented challenges brought on by the global pandemic. COVID-19 has actually accelerated one of the major secular trends underpinning our business – the growth of e-commerce where ESR is at the heart of the central nervous system delivering the core ‘new economy’ infrastructure to our best-in-class clients. With that favourable backdrop, 2020 was a year of records for ESR, including new highs in leasing, fundraising, development starts and development completions. Our strong financial results and operational excellence have demonstrated not only our resilience, but also the strength and power of our business model.
Having witnessed sustained strong capital inflows and leasing demand, the logistics market has solidified its position as the preferred real estate asset class in Asia. We expect e-commerce acceleration and supply chain transformation to continue to benefit ESR as we extend the platform deeper into our existing markets as well as into new markets over the next 12 months. While we continue our focus on sustainable growth, it is also extremely important for ESR to constantly drive positive impact on the industry and create a purpose-driven culture for the communities where we operate. In summary, we strive to be a leader in ESG and the Board and senior management remain steadfast in achieving our ambitious 2025 ESG goals.”
Exceptional platform growth underpinned by strong fundraising
Supported by strong fundraising capabilities across multiple markets, the Group’s AUM grew significantly by 35.3% to US$29.9 billion, achieving its target of US$30 billion a year ahead of schedule.
Capital allocation of investors is increasingly skewed towards funds focused on logistics due to e-commerce acceleration. In FY2020, ESR raised a record US$3.5 billion in committed capital across seven new funds, demonstrating the strong support of its blue-chip institutional capital partners. The new vehicles included:
- three development joint ventures (US$500 million in China, US$759 million in Australia and US$300 million in India) and one core-plus partnership (US$456 million in Australia) with GIC[1]
- a US$1 billion development joint venture with APG and CPP Investments in South Korea;
- a core joint venture with Manulife in China (US$265 million); and
- a separate account of US$264 million with AXA in Japan.
Based on the latest fundraising initiatives, there was over US$3.7 billion worth of committed but uncalled capital in ESR’s third-party funds as of 31 December 2020.
In addition to private vehicles, ESR successfully listed ESR Kendall Square REIT on the Korea Exchange in December 2020 and raised US$650 million in new capital. As the first logistics focused REIT in South Korea, ESR Kendall Square REIT received overwhelming response from both international and domestic investors. The listing has facilitated the further scaling up of the Group’s integrated platform of public and private vehicles to accelerate long-term growth.
ESR continues to be disciplined in executing its capital recycling programme, and prudently redeploying capital to support growth. In FY2020, close to US$1 billion of capital was recycled, with net cash recycled back of approximately US$0.7 billion, doubling the Group’s annual target of US$400-US$500 million in divestments.
Record new completions and new development starts drive continuous expansion of our best-in-class asset portfolio
ESR has over 20.1 million sqm of GFA in operation and under development across its portfolio and a landbank of over 3.7 million sqm, as of 31 December 2020.
Development demand has continued to grow, with work in progress growing by 21% to US$4.7 billion in FY2020. The Group’s development activities achieved new records, with US$3.4 billion in development completions and US$3.2 billion worth of development starts (US$2.4 billion in 2H 2020) in FY2020. It will continue to leverage third-party capital to fund development starts and exercise a disciplined asset light approach to achieve its targeted development completions.
During the year, the Group has completed a number of flagship developments that set new standards for the industry. In July 2020, the Group completed the development of the award-winning ESR Amagasaki Distribution Centre in Greater Osaka, the largest logistics warehousing project in APAC[2] at 388,570 sqm. In Dongguan, China, ESR Hongmei Logistics Park II commenced operations in Q4 2020, introducing a new flagship development with 278,283 sqm GFA in the country’s southern region.
E-commerce acceleration and supply chain resilience have spurred demand for modern, institutional-grade logistics facilities, driving the solid performance of ESR’s leasing activities. The Group maintained a healthy occupancy rate of 90% across its entire portfolio[3], and achieved record leasing of over 2.3 million sqm of space. Leveraging its strategically diversified network spanning seven key markets across APAC, coupled with a quality tenant base focused on e-commerce and 3PL companies which accounted for 64% of the overall tenant portfolio (based on rental income), ESR has remained resilient to market changes and disruption.
ESR is well-positioned to benefit from the strong leasing demand with a robust pipeline of large-scale developments to be delivered over the next couple of years. Some of these include:
- In China, the Group expects to complete the development of ESR Shanghai Qingpu Yurun Phase I by the end of 2021. This high-standard logistics facility with a total planned GFA of over 340,000 sqm will include cold storage space. Construction of Phase II commenced in Q4 2020.
- The Dushangang project in Jiaxing, China is scheduled for completion in 2022 with a total planned GFA of over 235,000 sqm.
- In Japan, the Group has commenced construction of the first phase of ESR Higashi Ogishima Distribution Centre in Greater Tokyo Metropolitan Area, with expected completion in 2023. Set to be one of Japan’s tallest distribution centres and the world’s first cargo drone facility, the project has a planned GFA of 365,385 sqm.
Leveraging existing platform synergies to tap into a highly complementary and rapidly expanding new asset class
The data centre market has proliferated through the pandemic as a number of technological and economic trends, including e-commerce growth, smart technologies, 5G adoption, AI and cloud services, continue to drive the demand and requirements for data capacity. In APAC, which is the world’s second largest region for data centres, the market is set for solid growth due to such factors as being home to half of the world’s millennial population (aged 23-38); a dramatic increase in unicorns, many of which are internet giants; and mobile data traffic that is projected to expand at a CAGR of 41% from 2019-2023E.
As a leading provider of new economy infrastructure, ESR sees data centres not only as a compelling asset class, but also a natural progression for future growth. It is expected that APAC data traffic will grow exponentially in line with demographic tailwinds. ESR has directed significant business development effort towards setting up around Asia. With its complementary strengths, development expertise and knowledge, as well as immediate scalability with enhanced tenant relations the Group has built over the years, ESR is highly competitive and well-positioned to tap into this market.
Empowering sustainable growth by purpose and innovation
ESR has reaffirmed its commitment to long-term sustainable growth with its Five-Year ESG Roadmap, which aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The Group has set out a clear vision and targets across the three key pillars of Human Centric, Property Portfolio and Corporate Performance. They include improving gender ratios, achieving zero workplace fatalities, increasing solar power generation by 50%, reducing group-wide energy consumption by 20%, and investing US$15 million in local community foundations by 2030.
Strategies such as consistent, transparent reporting, strengthening engagement programmes to promote health and well-being and fostering a culture of active ESG learning for employees are planned and in place to ensure that the Group’s 2025 targets are achieved.
For ESR, technological innovations are a way of improving its customers’ operations, and providing for a more sustainable, human-centric environment for stakeholders. The Group created the ESR Future Solutions Group to proactively identify and evaluate technological, economic and societal changes that are important to our stakeholders, and to determine how these changes will impact the design and operations of logistics facilities and the Group as a whole.
Propelling the next stage of growth and value creation
E-commerce acceleration will continue to drive demand for logistics infrastructure. In view of the significant undersupply of modern warehouses in the APAC region, ESR will continue to actively examine opportunities in key markets and new locations to grow its footprint. Moreover, it will look to build on the Group’s network of high-quality tenants and best-in-class capital partners to support its efforts in meeting the long-term need for modern logistics facilities in the region.
Looking ahead, the Group will continue its disciplined capital management approach, which has been the cornerstone of ESR’s investment efforts, leveraging its well-capitalised balance sheet and strong liquidity position to further diversify its sources of funding to support sound, strategic growth and investment opportunities as they emerge.
Jeffrey Shen and Stuart Gibson, ESR Co-founders and Co-CEOs, stated, “Despite that FY2020 was a year of unprecedented challenges, it was also one of new opportunities and breakthroughs. Evidenced by the strong results we delivered on multiple fronts, our unique growth model and strategic approach have proven to be successful especially within the context of a challenging year.
The APAC logistics real estate industry has an abundance of momentum, propelled by a myriad of driving forces. Our success built in FY2020, and in previous years, reinforces our convictions towards the long-term prospects of APAC logistics. We look forward to a vibrant future in which we can unveil many exciting developments. Expanded market and asset portfolios, further collaborations with the world’s best investors and brands, impactful ESG initiatives – all of these and more are in the offing as ESR enters the next chapter of growth and creation of long-term value to our stakeholders.”
[1] GIC is a global investment firm established in 1981 to manage Singapore’s foreign reserves.
[2] The largest single-phase, single-asset warehousing project in terms of GFA. Sources: CBRE data and ESR research.
[3] Based on assets on balance sheet and stabilised assets
SDG Academy Indonesia launches its Mobile Learning and Leadership Programmes
JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach – 25 March 2021 – The SDG Academy Indonesia, a collaborative platform between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas), and the Tanoto Foundation, today launched its digital SDG Mobile Learning Programme and the SDG Leadership Certification Programme.
About 30 participants from around Indonesia have been selected for the first cohort of the SDG Leadership Certification Programme. The programme is designed to empower local leaders across multiple sectors with the latest know-how on SDGs. Individuals and institutions participating in the programme will be equipped with complex problem-solving skills, using innovative case models and hands-on experience.
The SDG Mobile Learning Programme breaks down distance barriers by providing greater online access to learning resources to everyone across this vast archipelagic country.
The SDG Academy Indonesia was launched in 2019 with a mission to boost the capacity of State and non-State stakeholders at local level to speed up SDGs achievement.
“The SDG Academy Indonesia is a platform to strengthen the involvement of many stakeholders to learn, collaborate and contribute to the SDGs achievement. It is carried out through concrete and innovative examples to answer various development challenges. SDG Academy Indonesia is also expected to help strengthen the capacity of local government officials in formulating SDGs regional action plans and overseeing their implementation, which urgently requires leadership and technical capacity,” said Vivi Yulaswati,” the Head of SDG Secretariat and Expert Staff on Poverty Reduction and Social Welfare at the Bappenas.
“The work on the 2030 Agenda is accelerating – guided by the pledge of leaving no one behind. The SDGs demand a transformation of economies, societies and human behaviour. This will not happen unless people are aware of the goals, see their own concerns in the Goals, and know what they can do to implement the Goals. Therefore, the educational component of the SDGs is critical, and I believe the role of the SDG Academy Indonesia’s program is important in this endeavour,” said the UN Resident Coordinator in Indonesia, Ms. Valerie Julliand.
UNDP Indonesia Resident Representative, Mr. Norimasa Shimomura said, “With UNDP’s global networks, the SDG Academy Indonesia will also benefit from insights and experiences from around the world that will help us develop innovative solutions that are tailored to Indonesia’s development context”.
He added that women’s participation is a cornerstone to the inclusive philosophy of SDG Academy Indonesia.
“Women’s tremendous potentials to promote good governance, economy, science and technology are largely untapped. This is why the SDG Academy Indonesia’s learning programmes are designed to consciously promote women’s leadership and gender equality,” Mr. Shimomura said adding that the Academy is committed to having an equal representation of women among its course participants.
Mr. J. Satrijo Tanudjojo, Global CEO Tanoto Foundation noted its commitment to sustainable development. “The Tanoto Foundation is committed to take part in the efforts of achieving the SDGs in Indonesia. Our partnership with the Ministry of National Development Planning and the UNDP Indonesia in establishing the SDG Academy Indonesia is an example of a good practice on how State and non-State actors could work together in accelerating the SDGs achievement,” he said. Tanoto Foundation is an independent family philanthropy organisation founded by Sukanto Tanoto and Tinah Bingei Tanoto in 1981.
The SDG Academy Indonesia has three main programmes: SDG Mobile Learning, SDG Leadership Certification, and SDG Study Abroad, covering four essential dimensions of capacity building: knowledge, character, skill, and values.
For more information visit www.sdgacademyindonesia.id
MineCity: The Community Dream Chaser concluded with huge success
Projects enlighten youngsters to creatively rejuvenate local community
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 25 March – The “MineCity” project, organised by Breakthrough and fully supported by Zurich Insurance (Hong Kong) (“Zurich”), leverages the popular software Minecraft to encourage youngsters for exploring possibilities to reshape urban space in the community. In its third year, MineCity expanded its virtual community coverage to Shatin and North District. Breakthrough has conducted in-depth interview and exchanged with youngsters to understand their respective community and encouraged them to build a virtual map through Minecraft for expressing their imagination and co-building the local community.
Renowned Minecraft player Wingsthunder (Left 1), Breakthrough General Secretary Joyce Man (Left 3), Zurich Insurance (Hong Kong) CEO Eric Hui (Right 3), architect Wyan Yeung (Right 1) and student representatives participated “MineCity: The Community Dream Chaser” webinar.
The “MineCity: The Community Dream Chaser” webinar was held online today. Nearly 30 students and Zurich’s volunteers presented this year’s community map designs. Online public visitors had a chance to appreciate the map exhibits meticulously designed by the students and join the virtual tours guided by them. The webinar also featured a discussion between WingsThunder, renowned Minecraft player and Wyan Yeung, architect, on how Minecraft’s virtual imagination can help youngsters build an ideal community, realising “Urban Imagination”, “Community Integration”, and “Creative Problem Solving”.
Minecraft is one of the most popular software applications with more than 100 million online players worldwide. The software requires players to create and reset different blocks in three-dimensional space to construct different buildings, scenes and cities in various locations. Breakthrough believes Minecraft offers a platform for youngsters to learn together through the virtual journey of “Urban Imagination”, “Community Integration”, and “Creative Problem Solving”. By listening, understanding and rethinking, youngsters are more familiarised with the needs of local community and bring their ideas to Minecraft to build their ideal community. Breakthrough invites avid Minecraft players to co-build community map which is based on the belief that youngsters and the future of the city are inseparable. The youngsters form teams, go into communities and discover different needs within.
In the opening remarks, Joyce Man, General Secretary of Breakthrough said, “Our gratitude goes to Zurich for its continuous support to MineCity which facilitates more student participation. This year, our programme extended its coverage to Shatin and North District. Students were encouraged to present their ideas about future community and city imaginatively, address community needs and solve related problems through Minecraft in a creative way. We hope MineCity can bring students closer together and let them contribute more to the community, which in turn benefit their future growth and learning.” Joyce also thanked the support from participating schools for smooth programme execution as well as raising awareness and participation among youngsters.
Eric Hui, Chief Executive Officer of Zurich Insurance (Hong Kong), said, “Zurich has always been committed to serving the community and promoting empowerment of youngsters. We are delighted that MineCity has been well received by students, who have demonstrated their dedication and focus in integrating technology, interest and creativity in co-creating community maps as a team. Their collective efforts are fully demonstrated through their designs. From my personal engagement in community guided tour, I find that the program can really enrich the lives of fellow students through encouraging youngsters to feel the pace of life in our communities and gain understanding of local cultures and stories.”
For the third year in a row, MineCity is organised by Breakthrough and fully supported by Zurich Insurance (Hong Kong). More than 250 youngsters have already participated in designing the online community maps of Sham Shui Po, Shatin and North District through Minecraft. Breakthrough hopes the initiative can encourage more youngsters to extend their social participation from online to offline and actively make good use of technological innovation to build the future of our community.
For more high-resolution images, please download:https://bit.ly/3s6VpOy
About Breakthrough
Breakthrough is a non-profit making organization providing cultural and educational services for young people. Anchored on Christian faith, we care for the wholistic development of the young generation, help them unveil their potential, and guide them in becoming leaders for the 21st century. We strongly believe that young people possess the qualities of a leader, regardless of gender, personal and cultural background. The most important point is whether those around the youngsters offer them affirmation and encouragement to help them bring out their potential and creativity.
About Zurich Insurance
Zurich Insurance (Hong Kong) offers a full range of flexible general insurance and life insurance products for individuals as well as corporate customers, catering to their insurance, protection and investment needs. Zurich’s presence in Hong Kong dates back to 1961, and is one of the 5 largest insurance companies in the general insurance market*. Further information about Zurich Insurance (Hong Kong) is available at www.zurich.com.hk.
Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich) is a leading multi-line insurer that serves its customers in global and local markets. With around 55,000 employees, it provides a wide range of property and casualty, and life insurance products and services in more than 215 countries and territories. Zurich’s customers include individuals, small businesses, and mid-sized and large companies, as well as multinational corporations. The Group is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, where it was founded in 1872. The holding company, Zurich Insurance Group Ltd (ZURN), is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and has a level I American Depositary Receipt (ZURVY) program, which is traded over-the-counter on OTCQX. Further information about Zurich is available at www.zurich.com/.
*Source: Gross premium of 2019, Insurance Authority
MineCity: The Community Dream Chaser concluded with huge success;Projects enlighten youngsters to creatively rejuvenate local community
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 25 March 2021 – The “MineCity” project, organised by Breakthrough and fully supported by Zurich Insurance (Hong Kong) (“Zurich”), leverages the popular software Minecraft to encourage youngsters for exploring possibilities to reshape urban space in the community. In its third year, MineCity expanded its virtual community coverage to Shatin and North District. Breakthrough has conducted in-depth interview and exchanged with youngsters to understand their respective community and encouraged them to build a virtual map through Minecraft for expressing their imagination and co-building the local community.
Renowned Minecraft player Wingsthunder (Left 1), Breakthrough General Secretary Joyce Man (Left 3), Zurich Insurance (Hong Kong) CEO Eric Hui (Right 3), architect Wyan Yeung (Right 1) and student representatives participated “MineCity: The Community Dream Chaser” webinar.
The “MineCity: The Community Dream Chaser” webinar was held online today. Nearly 30 students and Zurich’s volunteers presented this year’s community map designs. Online public visitors had a chance to appreciate the map exhibits meticulously designed by the students and join the virtual tours guided by them. The webinar also featured a discussion between WingsThunder, renowned Minecraft player and Wyan Yeung, architect, on how Minecraft’s virtual imagination can help youngsters build an ideal community, realising “Urban Imagination”, “Community Integration”, and “Creative Problem Solving”.
Minecraft is one of the most popular software applications with more than 100 million online players worldwide. The software requires players to create and reset different blocks in three-dimensional space to construct different buildings, scenes and cities in various locations. Breakthrough believes Minecraft offers a platform for youngsters to learn together through the virtual journey of “Urban Imagination”, “Community Integration”, and “Creative Problem Solving”. By listening, understanding and rethinking, youngsters are more familiarised with the needs of local community and bring their ideas to Minecraft to build their ideal community. Breakthrough invites avid Minecraft players to co-build community map which is based on the belief that youngsters and the future of the city are inseparable. The youngsters form teams, go into communities and discover different needs within.
In the opening remarks, Joyce Man, General Secretary of Breakthrough said, “Our gratitude goes to Zurich for its continuous support to MineCity which facilitates more student participation. This year, our programme extended its coverage to Shatin and North District. Students were encouraged to present their ideas about future community and city imaginatively, address community needs and solve related problems through Minecraft in a creative way. We hope MineCity can bring students closer together and let them contribute more to the community, which in turn benefit their future growth and learning.” Joyce also thanked the support from participating schools for smooth programme execution as well as raising awareness and participation among youngsters.
Eric Hui, Chief Executive Officer of Zurich Insurance (Hong Kong), said, “Zurich has always been committed to serving the community and promoting empowerment of youngsters. We are delighted that MineCity has been well received by students, who have demonstrated their dedication and focus in integrating technology, interest and creativity in co-creating community maps as a team. Their collective efforts are fully demonstrated through their designs. From my personal engagement in community guided tour, I find that the program can really enrich the lives of fellow students through encouraging youngsters to feel the pace of life in our communities and gain understanding of local cultures and stories.”
For the third year in a row, MineCity is organised by Breakthrough and fully supported by Zurich Insurance (Hong Kong). More than 250 youngsters have already participated in designing the online community maps of Sham Shui Po, Shatin and North District through Minecraft. Breakthrough hopes the initiative can encourage more youngsters to extend their social participation from online to offline and actively make good use of technological innovation to build the future of our community.
For more high-resolution images, please download:https://bit.ly/3s6VpOy
About Breakthrough
Breakthrough is a non-profit making organization providing cultural and educational services for young people. Anchored on Christian faith, we care for the wholistic development of the young generation, help them unveil their potential, and guide them in becoming leaders for the 21st century. We strongly believe that young people possess the qualities of a leader, regardless of gender, personal and cultural background. The most important point is whether those around the youngsters offer them affirmation and encouragement to help them bring out their potential and creativity.
About Zurich Insurance
Zurich Insurance (Hong Kong) offers a full range of flexible general insurance and life insurance products for individuals as well as corporate customers, catering to their insurance, protection and investment needs. Zurich’s presence in Hong Kong dates back to 1961, and is one of the 5 largest insurance companies in the general insurance market*. Further information about Zurich Insurance (Hong Kong) is available at www.zurich.com.hk.
Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich) is a leading multi-line insurer that serves its customers in global and local markets. With around 55,000 employees, it provides a wide range of property and casualty, and life insurance products and services in more than 215 countries and territories. Zurich’s customers include individuals, small businesses, and mid-sized and large companies, as well as multinational corporations. The Group is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, where it was founded in 1872. The holding company, Zurich Insurance Group Ltd (ZURN), is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and has a level I American Depositary Receipt (ZURVY) program, which is traded over-the-counter on OTCQX. Further information about Zurich is available at www.zurich.com/.
*Source: Gross premium of 2019, Insurance Authority
China Dynamics to Provide Not Less Than 500 Electric Vehicles in Philippines and Malaysia
Strengthens Foothold in Southeast Asia Market
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 25 March 2021 – China Dynamics (Holdings) Limited (the “Company”; Stock Code: 476, together with its subsidiaries, collectively “China Dynamics” or the “Group”), a provider of new-energy vehicles and technology integrated solutions, and GET Worldwide, Inc. (“GET Worldwide”), have signed a long-term supply agreement, following the delivery of electric buses in Davao and Metro Manila in the Philippines last December.
GET Worldwide’s flagship electric public transport vehicles designed for emerging markets –
the 6.5 meter COMET electric minibus. The vehicles can be paired with a mobile application creating an intelligent fleet and passenger management system.
Under the long-term supply agreement, China Dynamics will provide GET Worldwide, a California based E-mobility solutions company, with no less than 100 units of the 6.5 meter COMET electric minibus within 6 months and not less than 500 units of the vehicles within 24 months from the effective date of the agreement. The electric vehicles will be mainly used in the Philippines and in Malaysia. In addition, GET Worldwide is already looking to expand to Africa and Latin America within the year.
Mr. Freddie Tinga, President of GET Worldwide said: “China Dynamics ends our long search in finding a reliable electric vehicle manufacturer. The COMET is GET Worldwide’s flagship electric public transport vehicle designed for emerging markets. The vehicle is paired with a mobile application to make transportation more efficient, address the dangers of climate change, and transform urban environments. We are seeing the large potential of the COMET ecosystem given the high demand in the Philippines and the numerous parties contacting us from around the world who are interested in the same solution.”
Mr. Miguel Valldecabres Polop, CEO of China Dynamics, added, “The signing of the agreement is another strategic step in our global expansion starting with Southeast Asia. This agreement solidifies our partnership with GET Worldwide in deploying the ideal transport solution to dense urban centers globally. It is a win-win solution for all. We benefit from the revenues generated from these new markets, as we do our part to make these cities more sustainable and more livable for their citizens.”
China Dynamics delivered in December 2020 the initial batch of COMET electric minibuses for Metro Manila and Davao to Global Electric Transport (“GET Philippines”), a licensee of GET Worldwide and the first electric bus operator in the Philippines.
About China Dynamics (Holdings) Limited (Stock Code: 476)
China Dynamics (Holdings) Limited is a pioneer and a prominent player in new-energy commercial vehicles market, as well as a whole-vehicle manufacturer of specialty passenger vehicles and new-energy passenger vehicles. It is an integrated driving and logistics solutions provider with a solid technological foundation in diverse areas including new energy platform power system and its key components. The Group has two production bases in Chongqing and it has developed its sales network in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Asia Pacific and South America.